The Watergate Hotel reopened recently after a sparkling $125 million facelift, complete with guest key cards saying, “No need to break in.” For well-heeled business leaders visiting there, a pithier epigram might be, “Influence buying has a price.”

Decades later, it is too easily forgotten that 12 corporations and 17 corporate executives ultimately were indicted or pleaded guilty in the Watergate scandal, mainly to charges of making illegal campaign contributions. These memories recede when compared to President Richard Nixon’s resignation or the actions of the White House Plumbers, yet they remain just as relevant today. Read more.